Key principles

Verbal verve
Limit be-verbs (is, was, are, were, be, been) to no more than a few per paragraph. Favor strong, specific, robust action verbs (scrutinize, dissect, capture) over weak, vague, lazy ones (have, do, show). Steer clear of passive verb constructions (it has been demonstrated) except when used for
stylistic effect.Noun density
Anchor abstract ideas in concrete language and illustrate theoretical concepts using real-life examples. (Show, don’t just tell!) Avoid overdependence on nominalizations: long, important-sounding nouns formed from verbs or adjectives (overdependence, nominalizations, pretentiousness).Prepositional podge
Avoid long strings of prepositional phrases, especially when they drive nouns and verbs apart (“The principle of keeping nouns and verbs as close to each other as possible for the benefit of readers has many benefits”).Ad-dictions
Employ adjectives and adverbs only when they contribute new information to a sentence; get your nouns and verbs to do most of your descriptive work.Waste words: it, this, that, there
Employ it and this only when you can state exactly what noun each word refers to; avoid using that more than once in a single sentence or three times in a paragraph, except in parallel constructions; and beware of sweeping generalizations that begin with There.Important: The WritersDiet Test offers an automated diagnosis, not a subtle stylistic analysis or a prescriptive personal judgment. For best results, use the test together with The Writer’s Diet (Sword 2007), which discusses stylistic nuances and exceptions that the WritersDiet Test cannot address.

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The editorial of the latest communication gives great recommendations on writing theoretical papers. I think they can apply to any field of social science. Here is the essential to remember when writing a theory essay

Step 1 : Making a case. explain why you think more theorizing is needed.
Step 2 : Statement of purpose. what are you going and what are you not going to talk about.
Step 3: The utility of the paper. Address a problem in your field
Step 4: An analytical and critical lit review. Engage the literatures relevant in your field.
Step 5: Making a contribution. It needs to be something new
Step 6: Make a compelling argument. Polish the rhetoric
Step 7: Back up the argument. Incorporate empirical evidence
Step 8: Finish with a bang. Show the relevance of your proposal and its limitation.

And here is the author checklist.

Writing for Communication Theory: a checklist

Is the need for a theory intervention justified?

Does the article address a communication problem?

Are objectives and limits clearly stated?

Does the article engage the relevant communication literatures?

Does the literature review identify meaningful points of departure?

Are the ideas advanced in the article actually new?

Does the article clearly spell out its own original theory contribution?

Are relevant terms and concepts explained?

Does the article have a clear line of argument?

Does the article advance its ideas vis-à-vis other relevant positions?

Can any material that does not contribute to the flow of the argument be eliminated?

Does the article use an accessible and comprehensible language?

If empirical work is used, does the article establish a clear link between theory and evidence?

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Some few tips and ideas to survive the transcription of interviews. All those step-up came little by little over time. Some I wish I used at the beginning of transcribing.

Hot keys for fast typing

Express scribe not only is free but it can be customized.

First you need to enable system-wide hot-keys (in the options). I step up to make it easy to reach while typing.

F1 : rewind

F2 : play

F3 : stop

F4 : fast forward

F9 : Play fast speed

F10 : Play slow speed

F11 : Play real speed

Track progress…minute by minute

This is part of being organised. I am just too lazy to waste time looking for stuff or thinking about what is the next thing to be done. There are plenty of project management, task management, to do list out there. I use exclusively Task merlin for my PhD (http://www.taskmerlin.com). I will not go into how many apps I tried. A good way to find one that will fit your need try http://www.priacta.com/Articles/Comparison_of_GTD_Software.php and use their “help with software”

Take note while transcribing

For this I use Onenote. docked OneNote window on the side of the screen while working in Word. I put ideas, images, definitions, links, questions. This gives a head start for data analysis. I imported all my transcription note in Nvivo as part of my memos. (http://www.qsrinternational.com/products_nvivo_add-ons.aspx)

Since I typed a couple of words over and over, I used a text expander for windows. The abbreviation is replaced immediately after it is typed. This help protect my sanity. Also, it works in any software, so I use it in Nvivo as well.

Social researcher, photographer, digital strategist. Completing a PhD in Sociological Studies at the University of Sheffield. Drawing on 15 years experience in banking, marketing, housing, and the third-sector - I explore digital maps and everyday practice.